Scaptomyza (Bunostoma) flavella (Diptera: Drosophilidae) and the evolution of leaf mining

Abstract

Fly larvae forming mines in New Zealand celery, Apium prostratum (Apiaceae) were reared and identified as Scaptomyza (Bunostoma) flavella. A laboratory colony was established and it was found that first instar larvae did not burrow into leaves, though later instars did. All larval instars could live and grow in decaying celery leaves. This fly species is a facultative leafminer. Other species of the subgenus in New Zealand are either decaying vegetation feeders or true leaf miners.